Wednesday, April 19, 2006

MEN: Win place in FC history

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.usSource: M.E.N. (no online content)

BY PETER SPENCER

FC UNITED will make a dream come true on Saturday for a M.E.N. Sport reader who can win the chance to become part of football folklore.

The self-styled people’s club will celebrate their inaugual season’s championship triumph on Saturday at Gigg Lane in Bury with all under-18s allowed in free.

But in conjunction with the M.E.N. one fan, who must be under 16, can win the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive the league trophy alongside star striker Rory Patterson and the rest of the jubilant rebel team.

Club director Jules Spencer said: “What a prize this is. It’s a fantastic opportunity and we hope the winner will be someone who has been with us from the start. The winner can bring along his or her parents as VIP guests.

“With United not playing this weekend our gate will naturally be boosted and with under 18s allowed in for free, we have a chance of bettering our record 4,300 gate. It will be a chance to be part of football history .”

Meanwhile team boss Karl Marginson is urging his title-winning stars not to rest on their laurels as they prepare to make their first appearance since being crowned Moore and Co Solicitors League second division champions at Boundary Park tonight (7.45pm)

It will be again be party time for the fans when their heroes face a lowly Chadderton side who they thrashed 4-0 just a week ago to clinch promotion.

But Marginson wants his players to save their title celebrations until they’re presented with the championship trophy after Saturday’s final home game of the season against Great Harwood at Gigg Lane.

“If we take our foot off the gas now, there’s a danger the champagne could be flat by the time we get to drink it,” he said.

“I know it’s only human nature for players to relax in these situations, but the lads have to realise how important it is that we finish our incredible debut season on a high note.”

So for the chance to collect the trophy on Saturday all you have to do is name FC United’s current top scorer. Write to FC United Competition, Sports Desk, M.E.N. 164 Deansgate, Manchester, M60 2RG or email sportscomps@men-news.co.uk or fax 0161 834 9122. Please include your name, address, age and day-time telephone number. All entries must be in by noon on Friday and normal MEN competition rules apply.